VehicleVerdict

2018 Audi Q7 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 175 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.0 times the median Q7 year — the 2018 model ranks #2 of 20 Q7 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (36), lighting (23), and other (19), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

175

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Q7 years?

Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted403 complaints2007: 134 complaints2008: 44 complaints2009: 34 complaints2010: 44 complaints2011: 26 complaints2012: 44 complaints2013: 49 complaints2014: 65 complaints2015: 56 complaints2016: 2 complaints2017: 403 complaints2018: 175 complaints2019: 81 complaints2020: 30 complaints2021: 112 complaints2022: 26 complaints2023: 26 complaints2024: 1 complaints2025: 25 complaints2026: 0 complaints
Q7 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Q7 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Audi Q7 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine3621%
Lighting2313%
Other1911%
Electrical System1710%
Suspension169%
Brakes148%
Driver Assistance95%
Tires & Wheels95%
Transmission74%
Steering74%
Fuel System63%
Seat Belts42%
Body & Structure32%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Speed Control21%
Airbags11%

Does the 2018 Audi Q7 have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V658000Body & StructureOctober 27, 2020 · 94,144 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Audi Q7 vehicles. The padding on the vehicle's C-pillar may not absorb enough impact in the event of a crash.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, an unbelted occupant's head may impact the vehicle's C-pillar padding, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the deformation element on the C-pillars, free of charge. The recall began November 17, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 70H8.

20V149000SteeringMarch 16, 2020 · 229 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Audi Q8 and 2017-2019 Audi Q7 vehicles. The bolt connecting the steering shaft to the steering gear may loosen, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.

Consequence

A sudden loss of loss of steering control may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Volkswagen will notify owners, and Audi dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering shaft bolt, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 31, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 36A1.

19V035000Fuel SystemJanuary 16, 2019 · 74,881 units

Defect

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.

Remedy

Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“coolant leaking @ 50K miles and also their warning system is not as effective. I got into a fender bender 2 months in owning the car as brand new. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 31, 2018 · crash

“I AM GETTING FRONT LEFT SIDE MARKER LIGHT FAULTY PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THIS IS VERY COMMON FOR 2018 AUDI Q7. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND SEE IF I AM QUALIFIED TO GET THIS REPLACED BY AUDI. APPARENTLY, THE REPLACING THE LAMP ISN'T EASY BUT WOUDL REQUIRE TO REPLACE THE WHOLE LIGHTING FIXTURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · May 23, 2026

“AT TIMES, THE "STOP-START" SYSTEM SEEMS TO FALTER WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS SLOWED TO ALMOST A FULL STOP, BUT NOT QUITE. IF I TRY TO ACCELERATE I GET A FEW SECONDS WHEN NOTHING HAPPENS. I FEEL THAT IT IS EITHER A TRANSMISSION CAUGHT BETWEEN SHIFTS OR AN ENGINE FALTER. I HAVE MENTIONED THIS TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 11, 2021

“I WAS TAKING A U-TURN UNDER A FREEWAY IN MY 10 MONTH OLD AUDI Q7. AS I WAS FINISHING THE U-TURN A STABILIZATION ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED AND MY BRAKES WENT OUT. I WAS FINISHING MY UTURN AND COULDN'T SLOW DOWN SOI ENDED UP RUNNING INTO THE CEMENT BARRIER WITH MY RIGHT BACK WHEEL AND WENT ONTO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 13, 2018 · crash

“Rear passenger side coil spring broke. Vehicle has 85K miles. Happened when traveling on a highway - heard a loud bang. Car still ran however sitting 1' lower on that side. Repair estimate in the $1500 range. Research in online forums shows this is happening to a lot of 2017-18 Q7s. definitely a…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · March 1, 2024

2018 Audi Q7 — common questions

Is the 2018 Audi Q7 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 175 complaints put the 2018 model at #2 of 20 Q7 years. It is one of the Q7 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Q7 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (36 complaints), lighting (23 complaints), other (19 complaints).

Does the 2018 Audi Q7 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Audi Q7. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Audi Q7 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Q7 years to avoid are 2017, 2018, 2007, 2021, 2019. The cleanest record among Q7 years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2018 Audi Q7?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Audi Q7 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.